The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-09-10
HOME AND FARM.
BY Mrs. ST. j. T. MOORE.
The Sheep.

Our interest in the sheep question is
not OF recent date and we have so often
urged the planters OF North Louisiana
TO try at least a few head upon every
farm, that it may seem out of place TO
write it up again. The increasing in
terest and growth of this great industry
throughout the South and Southwest,
makes me anxious to see Louisiana,
especially Ouachita, in the front ranks.
Indeed, she has no right to take any
other, as her pastures, her intelligent
farmers should claim such for her.
When We consider the large flocks of
sheep that are kept with profit upon
New England's barren stone covered
hills, hidden five months Of the year
beneath snow, how far will not imag-
lnatlon run when we think Of our own
wild grasses, our shaded woods and
clear running water the whole year
round. say tho year round, for the
short time of snow does not often last
long enough for the boys to make sleds
or brighten up their skates.
We are told that parts of England, in
the counties OF Norfolk, Huntington
and Lincolnshire, that tho lands lay
below the sea level; that these lands
were drained ages ago at an enormous
expense, but that fertility OF the soil
soon repaid for the outlay, and upon
<,f In
and Leicescer sheep are kept. The
grasses growing at this low altitude
make the fine wool for which these
two breeds are SO noted, measuring
often nine inches in length, and the
tar famed Norfolk mutton.
The grasses in our sWamps, from
which the water has been drained, re-
sembles in some respects the grass of
those English counties, and flock of
one hundred sheep will so soon improve
a pasture that there will be little need
of feeding heavily. This, by the way,
should be increased in October aud
continued till January, when sheep
will become so fat that a few mouths
fulls will do them all day.
There is ono thing of which We are
too neglected. in the South--the shell
tor. Shelter for sheep should have II
floer, ss they will invariably seek such
when available, or Il plank or any other
convenience, rather than tho ground.
A shed built with sloping floor, in
order to sweep the nights, deposit Off,
will be found best, and this makes the
best fertilizer known. 1t ia true, in this
climate an expensive shelter is not
needed, but economy in the end will
suggest a substantial building. Warmth
saves feed, but in this climate, ventiln-
ton must also be considered, therefore,
we say shed rather than room.
Among the complaints of sheep rails
ing, we hear "the dog" Well, the
dog Is an enemy and n serious one, but
like all other diseases there is REM
edy. In reference to This, l can but
COPY piece 1 read not long since,
which, think, has more truth than
poetry In it:
"Mahontng county must he bad
county for dogs, and worse for shep-
herds. We have quite a number of
men in this county who have valuable
herds of sheep, and they are honorable
men and know how to take care of
sheep; how to farm, and the value of
ill farm improvements. They never
allow their herds to get wet, or stay
out over night neither will they al
low their farm implements to get wet
nor lie out in the field. Their fences,
gates, barns, and stables are in good
repair. One may go to these farms at
any time, and will always find some
body ut home, never all leaving ut
once. but there is some one to see after
the stock. Welt, whether it pays to be
so attentive, / cannot say. but l know
they sell lambs from ten to one hun
bred dollars per head /; pigs from ten to
twenty dollars apiece ; have money 10
lend at eight per cent, and keep on
adding to and Improving their farms.
We never hear them complaining of
sheep killing dogs.
There is another class of individuals
who are always yelling "dog. dos"
aud complaining of hard times, and
drouth, and sheep-killing dogs. l
have seen them going around with to-
bacco pipes in their moaths, bottles OF
whiskey in their pockets, and navy re-
volvers strapped on their backs, to
shoot the cussed "dog." II one has
any business with them he must send
them word a week beforehand, or he
may not find them at home. They are
either hunting dogs, or have gone to
town to get some powder, shot and
A. szu. I'LL u Il II.